The Choices we make ( Winter event 2024)

The Choices we Make ( Event Quest for : Lil Monster )

Writing by: Lil Monster

Da gallery: https://www.deviantart.com/xxinsanenightmarexx/gallery

Word count: 1,200+

Dino’s Included: Salem (2817) , Turok (5191)

It was a snowy day with the cold months coming in and snow being hard to trek through, it was tough on most but it hit the herd the hardest as they were on the search for food and traveling through harsh weather conditions was tough mostly on the older or younger herd members but it was the way of the herd and everyone had to adapt and among the herd was a old styraco bull who went by the same of Salem who often would stick behind to keep the stragglers in check. This wasn’t a new ordeal for Salem as he had traveled through the harsh winters before , but this winter felt a bit harsher then normal and the frost made his scales tingle as he walked through deep snow carving a pathway for the much younger styracosaurus who were having trouble making their way through it.

The winter seasons haunted Salem so much death occurred during the travels and some just couldn’t withstand the elements in which they were left to a gruesome or lonely fate, Salem was lost in his thoughts as he shook his head clearing his mind before looking ahead he felt like they were walking forever and his eyes widened as he noticed ahead of the herd they were getting closer to the large frozen lake they had to cross to get to where they were going, memories flooded back to Salem as his limbs froze up all he could remember the last time they crossed and the loss of herd members that happened especially one in particular that Salem could have saved but at the time he let fear take over his instincts along with the predator that hunted in the frozen tundra that they called the island during last time they crossed.

More members of his herd pushed him out of the way causing Salem to snap back to reality but all he could think of was the time on the ice where everything went wrong, and he never really forgave himself for it and it haunted the sty bull every winter as soon as the snow fall started. Walking down the steep snowy hills with the herd now close together as they stood at the edge of the frozen lake the ice cracking under the weight as the noise echoed across the sheer sheet. The herd leader letting out a loud roar to make the herd move forwards and the crossing was about to start and Salem took his first step on the frozen lake his feet feeling the freezing touch as memories flooded back again before shaking his head again as other herd members pressed up against him, this is where it had happened and he was reliving the tragic attack but he had to keep moving forwards with most herdmates slipping on the ice as they walked unaware of the danger that was stalking them and closing in with every step.

A large figure watched the herd move on the ice as it stalked using the cover of the foggy snow that coated the frozen lake making it hard to see for most as they crossed and this predator was closing in on the herd looking to wean out the weak and using the weather to their advantage, it was Turok and he was ready to feast due to being low on food because of the snow and cold snaps so he was hungry and on a warpath , with the herd being in his sites often hunting on this frozen lake each year. 

Salem kept his head down as he tried to keep his feelings held close to him hearing the ice crack and move as the herd walked with the young styracos trying their best to keep their feet underneath them and the older herd members falling behind which made Salem stick behind so they weren't left from the main herd.

“The ice is thin this year, but no predators so far that's good let's hope it sticks that way” Salem mumbled to himself as he looked around squinting through the snow before hearing muffled footsteps and vibrations behind the herd but he couldn’t make out what was causing them. Further behind him Salem spotted a old bull who was lagging behind the herd and he was getting further and further which made the bull stop to go help the straggler but wasn’t aware of the lurking danger that was closing in front behind them.

“Come on hold friend we are lagging behind the herd is going to leave you” Salem said as he was greeted by the old timer who was trying to pick up the pace but was still a bit slow, when all of a sudden a loud roar rung through the area and a red eye peered out from the fog followed by heavy footsteps and a large head that was being used a battering ram, Turok had slammed into the old bull knocking him onto his side and making him slide across the ice as Salem froze in fear and shock.

It was Turok the large tundra acrocanthosaurus who was the last years problem and one who contributed to Salem’s bad memories, the herd leader now roaring in a panic and the herd picking up the pace as they started to stampede across the frozen lake leaving Salem and the old bull behind to deal with Turok. Salem and the old bull were on their own against the large predator and it wasn’t looking good as Turok rushed to the old bull and grabbed him by behind his frill as the two began to fight the old bull losing his footing due to the slippery ice.

Salem wasn’t moving until he snapped out of the trance he was in and his feet threw him forwards towards Turok and slammed into the side of the acro which caused Turok to let go of the old bull and roar as he stepped back now focusing on Salem who shook his head snorting the cool air from his nostrils, he wasn’t going to have a repeat of last years crossing where he stood frozen in year and let a herd mate die this time it was different.

“Not this time Turok, focus on me” Salem said with narrowed eyes as he snorted and stood between the old bull who was finding his footing and Turok who was circling with bloodied jaws, the large carnivore letting out a roar as he rushed again with the jaws at the ready and Salem returning the challenge with a loud bellow as the sight of the herd was gone, this needed to end here and now. 

The sound of a clash of Turoks jaws hitting Salem's front horn, as the young bull sty used all his power to push against Turok throwing him and countering attacks of bites and claws, ending with one final push as Salem stepped backwards causing Turok to fall forwards and land harshly on the ice the one eyed acro getting up and shaking his feathers before being chased off by Salem who charged and stomped his feet as Turok rushed off letting out a roar before narrowing his eyes and disappearing into the snowy fog.

Salem had done it; he didn't run this time and felt peace with his actions from what happened in the past, the old bull rejoining him and bowing with thanks as the two returned to the herd welcomed and once again safe.